The Los Angeles Lakers operated in free agency with reservations about adding contract that extend beyond the 2025-26 season, but that reluctance has “thawed somewhat,” according to Marc Stein.
The Lakers are specifically looking for an upgrade on the wing in the form of a two-way player who can raise their ceiling in the short-term. Andrew Wiggins is the type of player who would be of interest to the Lakers should the Miami Heat make him available. Wiggins is on a $28.2 million contract this season and holds a $30.2 million player option for the 2026-27 season. The Heat received trade interest on Wiggins this offseason, but he is currently expected to begin the season on their roster.
The Lakers’ main offseason acquisitions were Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, while they lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.
Most importantly, the Lakers signed Luka Doncic to a three-year, $165 million contract extension. The Lakers also face a situation where both LeBron James and Austin Reaves will be free agents in 2026.